Vietnam Veterans’ Day – 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan
Tuesday, 18 August 2026 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan—one of the most significant engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War.
Commemorative Service
The Redlands community is invited to join us as we commemorate this important milestone and honour all Australians who served during the Vietnam War.
Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Assembly: 9.45am for a 10.00am service
Location: Anzac Memorial Park, Passage Street, Cleveland (next to Redlands RSL)
Following the service, veterans, families and members of the community are warmly invited to Redlands RSL to enjoy refreshments and camaraderie as we gather in remembrance and pay tribute to those who served.
The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military commitment of the 20th century. Australia’s involvement began in 1962 with the arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Over the following decade, almost 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam. More than 3,000 were wounded, and 524 Australians lost their lives during their service or as a result of that service.
On 18 August 1966, in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan, the men of D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment fought against overwhelming odds. Outnumbered by an estimated 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers, they endured fierce fighting in torrential rain and muddy conditions. By the battle’s end, 18 Australians had lost their lives, and 24 others were wounded. Their courage, determination and mateship remain an enduring part of Australia’s military history.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day is an opportunity to remember not only those who fought at Long Tan, but all Australians who served throughout the Vietnam War. We honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who returned home wounded, ill or carrying the physical and emotional scars of service, and we acknowledge the families whose support and sacrifice continue to be part of every veteran’s story.
Lest We Forget.
